Hawai‘i Island police launch missing person investigation for swimmer at Boiling Pots

Hawai‘i Island police have opened a missing person investigation in connection with a swimmer last seen in waters off Boiling Pots in Hilo on Tuesday afternoon.

At 1:33 p.m. on Sept. 17, police responded to Boiling Pots for a call of a swimmer in distress. Witnesses reported observing an unidentified man enter the water and immediately be pulled under the rapids. He did not re-surface and witnesses lost sight of him.

Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel and the State DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement also responded to the scene and began searching the area. An extensive search is ongoing; however, they have not been able to locate anyone.

Strong currents made the search effort extremely difficult and are thought to also be a contributing factor to why the man disappeared in the river’s waters, according to authorities Tuesday.

The male swimmer has been tentatively identified by a witness; however police are withholding releasing any further information until next of kin can be contacted.

Detectives of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation.

The Hawai‘i Police Department are asking for anyone who may have information on the investigation to contact the department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.